Getting permission to operate without codeshare has served two purposes, none of which results in a new airlines out there this year to undercut the others. First, BB wants another business tool in his bag of tricks. He now has a plan B (more like plan H, he really enjoys mainline money instead of earning it solo) for his two most important certificates (he wants to shrink CHQ , no offense guys). IF push came to shove, RW and S5 could go out and make their own coin. Secondly, and most importantly, BB has demonstrated to his shareholders and investors that the DOT believes in the financial stability of the company. In this current economy, he needs every vote of confidence he can get. He has shown former investors and new investors, along with creditors, that someone other than his own staff believes the airline is on solid financial footing.
In other news, the great Wexford Capital, the company that helped CHQ buy its way into being a jet flying, three headed monster, is reinvesting in RAH. They had bailed about a year and a half ago, as was planned from the inception of their investment. Now that they are contractually clear of RAH, they have stared reinvesting. They hold some serious dough, and have liked BB's vision. The future could get interesting here...